Researchers have long seen chronic Kidney disease and gun disease together. Up until recently, however, they have not been able to determine the link between the two. Now, they are saying, an imbalance of the production of free radicals and its antioxidant cells might be the reason why.

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is the inflammation of the gums, causing bleeding, wobbling or drifting teeth and, if not treated, tooth loss. Kidneys filter the blood of wastes and toxins, allowing them to be expelled through urine. If the kidneys operate at reduced function or fail completely, the patient has CKD.

There is no cure for CKD, except for transplant. It affects 10% to 13% of the adult population. Those with the condition are at a higher risk of cardiovascular complications and premature death. Previous studies have shown a link between severe inflammation of the gums in CKD patients and terrible kidney function. A drop in survival rates in CKD patients have also been seen where this exists.

Patients who have diabetes and CKD also have a similar link; patients with severe diabetes have severely impaired kidney function. For this study, over 700 patients CKD patients were given full body and oral examinations. Results showed a 10% increase in inflammation, coincided with a 3% loss of kidney functions. A 3% decrease in kidney function resulted in a 32%-34% increased risk of kidney failure over a period of 5 years.

Researchers also saw a 10% reduction in kidney function coincide with a 25% increase in gum inflammation. This was the first time where researchers identified the link between bad gum inflammation and worsening CKD as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a biological process where there is an imbalance between reactive oxygen and antioxidant capacity. This causes damage to tissues at the cellular level.

These results have led researchers to several other conclusions, including how important dental care is to CKD. They said, even a modest reduction of inflammation in the mouth can have great renal benefits. What can you do to reduce dental inflammation? Brush at least twice daily, floss daily and use an antiseptic mouthwash! For more information about topics related to kidney issues, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel!